Removable anti-tipping device for portable sanitation structure

ABSTRACT

A portable base system for supporting and securing a portable sanitation structure. The system includes a set of support footings. The system further includes an adjustable connecting element for connecting to an exterior surface of one of the set of support footings. The system also includes a cinching fastener for one of the set of support footings. The cinching fastener is disposed on each distal end of the one of the set of support footings, and the cinching fastener further includes a tongue to couple with the adjustable connecting element through a connection. The anchor band is included with the system. One end of the anchor band is secured to the adjustable connecting element through a second connection and the other end of the anchor band is secured to a vertical upright through a band.

BACKGROUND

The problem that has existed with portable sanitation units for years is the ease in which portable sanitation structures can be tipped over from various types of events. When a portable sanitation unit is tipped over, it must be righted and cleaned before use of the sanitation unit can be continued. In addition, the location where the sanitation unit was sitting in now covered in human waste making the area uninhabitable or unusable until it is sanitized. This down time is a costly scenario for the operator.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the invention provide the ability to use the weight of the portable sanitation structure against the placement of a vertical upright resulting in the portable sanitation structure being firmly planted on the supporting surface. This is accomplished, in one embodiment, using a permanent vertical upright that the portable sanitation unit can be temporarily mounted to. Embodiments of the invention include a design to operably couple to existing portable sanitation unit without need for modification to the existing structure.

Moreover, embodiments of the may possess one or more of the advantages:

Does not require modification to the existing structure

Easy to remove and install

Decreases the chances of a portable sanitation unit being knocked or tipped over regardless of cause

Prevents penetration or damaging of unforeseen obstacles and hazards on or within the supporting surface.

Designed to link more than one unit together

Adjustable to the needs of the user

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the Adjusting Connecting Element.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a Male Connecting Fastener.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a Female Connecting Fastener.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a Female Connecting Fastener.

FIG. 5 is a side view focusing on the Adjusting Connecting Element, Horizontal Structural Support, a Cinching Fastener, a Male Connecting Fastener and a Female Connecting Fastener.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a Cinching Fastener.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a Cinching Fastener.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view focusing on the Vertical Upright, Vertical Upright Anchor and Adjustable Connecting Element.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view focusing on a Horizontal Structural Support, a Cinching Fastener and the Adjusting Connecting Element.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device without showing the Vertical Upright and Vertical Upright Anchor attached to the unit.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the Vertical Upright Anchor.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the Vertical Upright Anchor.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the device without showing the Vertical Upright and Vertical Upright Anchor attached to the unit.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the Locking Element

FIG. 15 is a side view of the Locking Element

FIG. 16 is a side view of the Male Connecting Fastener.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the Female Connecting Fastener.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a Female Connecting Fastener.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a Cinching Fastener.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a Cinching Fastener.

FIG. 21 is a back view focusing on the assembly of the Locking Element, Cinching Fasteners, a Male Connecting Fastener and a Female Connecting Fastener.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view focusing on the assembly of the Locking Element, Cinching Fasteners, Male Connecting Fastener and Female Connecting Fastener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-13, an anchor band 12 is used to secure the device around a Vertical Upright 6. For example, the anchor band or anchor 12 may be a chain made of ferrous or non-ferrous materials. In another example, the anchor band 12 may be about 36 inches long. In another example, the anchor band 12 includes an adjustable length. For instances, supposed the vertical upright 6 is a tree trunk, the anchor band 12 includes sufficient length, such as an overall length of 36 inches with a usable length of 24 inches, to cover the circumference of the tree trunk. In another embodiment, the chain portion of the anchor 12 may be a third connection. In another example, supposed the vertical upright 6 is a standard sized pole for a stop sign, the anchor band 12 may be less in length, but still has sufficient length to cover the circumference of the pole. In a further embodiment, the anchor band 12 may have high structural integrity and has relatively low elasticity. In another embodiment, the vertical upright 6 may be a second structure. For example, the second structure may be tire or a bumper of a vehicle. As such, the vertical upright 6 or second structure may not need to be vertical in structure such that it allows the band may slidable along the vertical upright or the second structure.

A Male Connecting Fastener 24L & R & C may connect the anchor band 12 to an adjustable connecting element 20 through an Anchor Connecting Eyelet 18 and Anchor Eyelets 26 and secured using a Female Connecting Fastener 22L & R & C. In one example, the adjustable connecting element 20 may be made of a ferrous or non-ferrous material. In another example, the adjustable connecting element 20 may be about 48 inches long. For instances, a typical size of a portable sanitation structure has a length and a width of about 48 inches or 4 feet long. As such, the adjustable connecting element 20 may have a length suitable for such application. Furthermore, the adjustable connecting element comprising a reversed “L” shape. It is to be understood that other length of the adjustable connecting element 20 may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Cinching Fasteners 8L & R are used to grip onto the Horizontal Structural Supports or one of the supporting footings 4. In the example of the portable sanitation structure, there are two support footings for each of such structure. As such, a cinching fastener 8L & R slides to one of the support footings 4 on a distal end. The cinching fastener 8L & R includes a tongue. The tongue further is connected to the adjustable connecting element 20 and may be secured using a Male Connecting Fastener 24L & R & C placed though the Cinching Fastener Eyelets 28 and Cinching Connecting Eyelet 10 then secured using a Female Connecting Fastener 22L & R & C. In one embodiment, the male connecting fastener 24L & R & C and a female connecting fastener 22L & R & C are as a second connection. In a further embodiment, the second connection may be running through the one of the support footings to be connected to the adjustable connecting element 20. In this example, the second connection may be a bolt and nut combination.

Further as shown in FIG. 13, a set of openings 40 on the cinching fastener 8L & R may be disposed thereon for driving a bolt through the cinching fastener 8L & R and the one of the support footings 4.

When a suitable vertical upright 6 is located. The anchor band 12 is positioned with the vertical upright 6 located in the center of the anchor band 12. The Anchor Eyelets 26 must be aligned with the anchor connecting eyelet 18, so the female connecting fastener 22L & R & C can be tightened around the male connecting fastener 24L & R & C joining the adjustable connecting element 20 and anchor band 12. The Portable Sanitation Unit 2 is then moved into place next to the adjusting connecting element 20 that is joined to vertical upright 6. The Cinching Fasteners 8L & R are then positioned around the Horizontal Structural Support 4. The Cinching Fastener Eyelets 10 and the Cinching Connecting Eyelets 28 are aligned and connected using female connecting fasteners 22L & R & C and a male connecting fastener 24L & R. This joins the cinching fasteners 8L & R to adjustable 2 connecting element 20. This process is repeated on both ends of horizontal structural support 4.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   2=Portable Sanitation Unit -   4=Horizontal Structural Support -   6=Vertical Upright -   8L & R=Cinching Fasteners -   10=Cinching Fastener Eyelets -   12=Anchor band -   18=Anchor Connecting Eyelet -   20=Adjustable Connecting Element -   22L & R & C=Female Connecting Fasteners -   24L & R & C=Male Connecting Fasteners -   26=Anchor Eyelets -   28=Cinching Connecting Eyelets

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Different materials, sizes, and interconnections can be used for all components

Eyelets can be formed into any shape and size as along as it remains effective in keeping the sanitation unit upright

The Upright Anchor does not have to conform to a certain shape or size. (Ex. chain or cable)

The device can be used on other structures than a portable sanitation structure.

The Male Connecting Fasteners and Female Connecting Fasteners can be any size or shape along as they are effective in creating a stable environment

Multiple devices can be linked together to create a stable environment for multiple portable sanitation units

A suitable vertical upright can be of any shape or size

Any anchor that has been installed into the supporting surface can be used as a suitable vertical upright 3.

The problem that has existed with portable sanitation units for years is the ease in which portable sanitation structures can be tipped over from various types of events. When a portable sanitation unit is tipped over, it must be righted and cleaned before use of the sanitation unit can be continued. In addition, the location where the sanitation unit was sitting in now covered in human waste making the area unusable until sanitized. This down time is a costly scenario for the operator.

My Removable Anti-Tip Device for Multiple Portable Sanitation Structures has the ability to connect more than one portable sanitation unit to other portable sanitation units. This effect is accomplished by using the weight of multiple portable sanitation units to create a stable environment for any number of units that are connected together. The result allows for multiple portable sanitation units to remain firmly planed on the supporting surface. The device is designed to attach to existing portable sanitation units without need for modifications to the existing structure.

SUMMARY

Designed to link more than one portable sanitation unit together

Does not require modification to the existing portable sanitation structure

Easy to remove and install

Decreases chances of portable sanitation units being knocked or tipped over regardless of cause.

Prevents penetration or damaging of unforeseen obstacles and hazards on or within the supporting surface.

Adjustable to the needs of the user

In another embodiment,

The Portable Sanitation Units 2 are positioned next to each other with the Horizontal Structural Supports 4 running parallel.

The Cinching Fasteners 6L & R are placed around the ends of the Horizontal Structural Supports 4.

The Portable Sanitation Units 2 are adjusted so that the Cinching Fastener Eyelets 8 are aligned.

The Locking Element 18 is placed on top of the Cinching Fasteners 6L & R.

The Locking Element Eyelet 20 and the Cinching Fastener Eyelets 8 are aligned.

The Male Connecting Fastener 12 is placed though the Locking Element Eyelet 20 and Cinching Fastener Eyelets 8 then secured using the Female Connecting Fastener 10.

Multiple portable sanitation units 2 are positioned with the horizontal structural supports 4 running parallel to each other. The cinching fasteners 6L & R are placed around the exposed portions of the horizontal structural supports 4. The portable sanitation units 2 are positioned with the cinching fastener eyelets 8 aligning both cinching fasteners 6L & R. The locking element 18 is positioned over the aligned cinching fastener eyelets 8. The locking element eyelet 20 and the cinching fastener eyelets 8 are aligned and connected using the male connecting fastener 12 and female connecting fastener 10. This joins the cinching fasteners 6L & R and the locking element 18.

Reference Numbers: Number Description  2 Portable Sanitation Unit  4 Horizontal Structural Supports 6L & R Cinching Fasteners  8 Cinching Fastener Eyelets 10 Female Connecting Fastener 12 Male Connecting Fastener 18 Locking Element 20 Locking Element Eyelet

In another embodiment,

Different materials, sizes and interconnections can be used for all components

Eyelets can be formed into any shape and size as along as it remains effective in keeping the sanitation units upright

The device can be used on other structures than portable sanitation structures.

The Male Connecting Fastener and Female Connecting Fastener can be any shape or any size as long as they are effective in creating a stable environment

The Removable Anti-Tip Device for Multiple Portable Sanitation Structures can be used on the front or back of the exposed portions of the Horizontal Structural Support

As described above, aspects of the invention include a form of retrofitting lockboxes to existing mailboxes to provide added security. As such, it is to be understood that other applications of these processes such as for initial manufacture of a mailbox are contemplated within the broad scope and spirit of the invention, and need not be limited to retrofit applications employing processes introduced herein.

When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or the embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the invention and practical application of these principals to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by the specification or drawings, but the invention be defined by the claims set forth below and any equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: an adjustable connecting element for connecting to an exterior surface of one of a set of support footings; a cinching fastener for the one of the set of support footings, the cinching fastener being disposed on each distal end of the one of the set of support footings, the cinching fastener further comprising a tongue to couple with the adjustable connecting element through a connection; and an anchor band, one end of the anchor band being secured to the adjustable connecting element through a second connection and the other end of the anchor band being secured to a vertical upright through a band.
 2. A system comprising: a set of support footings; an adjustable connecting element depositing on an exterior surface of a support footings for supporting a portable sanitation structure, the adjustable connecting element comprising a reversed “L” shape; a cinching fastener for one of the set of support footings, the cinching fastener being disposed on each distal end of the one of the set of support footings, the cinching fastener further comprising a tongue to couple with the adjustable connecting element through a connection; and an anchor band, one end of the anchor band being secured to the adjustable connecting element through a second connection and the other end of the anchor band being secured to a second structure through a third connection.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second structure comprises another one of the set of the support footings.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the another one of the set of support footings comprises a second adjustable connecting element depositing on an exterior surface of the support footings; a second cinching fastener for one of the set of support footings, the second cinching fastener being disposed on each distal end of the one of the set of support footings, the second cinching fastener further comprising a second tongue to couple with the adjustable connecting element through a connection.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the set of footings connects to the second structure via a fourth connection established between the tongue and the second tongue.
 6. A device comprising: an adjustable connecting element for connecting to an exterior surface of one of a set of support footings, a cinching fastener for one of the set of support footings, the cinching fastener being disposed on each distal end of the one of the set of support footings, the cinching fastener further comprising a tongue to couple with the adjustable connecting element through a connection; and an anchor, one end of the anchor being secured to the adjustable connecting element through a second connection and the other end of the anchor being secured to a second structure through a third section. 